The reinforcement of the body’s immune system should begin with a proper diet and temperature regulation.
Chronic inflammation is referred to as the “silent killer” because it is not only a potential risk factor for various diseases but also promotes tumor growth, carcinogenesis, progression, and metastasis. Today, medical science recognizes that the battle against inflammation and the reinforcement of the body’s immune system should begin with a proper diet and temperature regulation.
Inflammation is a normal physiological response initiated by the immune system in response to bodily damage, allowing cells to rebuild damaged tissues. However, at times, it can persist and become chronic. Over time,
chronic inflammation can damage cellular DNA and disrupt normal cell growth and division, eventually leading to the growth of tumors and the development of cancer.
A study published in the renowned journal Immunity in 2019 revealed that chronic inflammation that induces cancer includes inflammatory bowel disease, chronic hepatitis, H. pylori-induced gastritis, and parasitic flatworm-induced bladder inflammation. These conditions increase the risk of developing colorectal, liver, stomach, and bladder cancers, respectively. On the other hand, chronic inflammation induced by obesity, high blood sugar, and excessive lipid accumulation increases the risk of many different cancers, including pancreatic, colon, breast, and others.
According to a
study published in Cell, up to 20 percent of cancer cases are associated with chronic inflammation, 30 percent are linked to tobacco smoking and exposure to pollutants (such as asbestos), and 35 percent are related to dietary factors.
Combating Inflammation for Cancer Prevention
There is no foolproof method to prevent chronic inflammation. However, the American Cancer Society (
pdf) has found that individuals who follow a healthy diet and lifestyle, limit alcohol consumption, and avoid smoking can reduce their risk of cancer by 10 to 20 percent.
Plant-based foods are the primary source of anti-inflammatory plant nutrients. Additionally, they are rich in antioxidants and fiber, which can lower cancer risk.
Numerous studies indicate that a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can reduce the incidence of inflammation-related chronic diseases. In addition to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, omega-3 fatty acids can regulate platelet homeostasis, reducing the risk of thrombosis.
Foods abundant in omega-3 include nuts, pumpkin seeds, salmon, scallops, flaxseed oil, olive oil, broccoli, and cauliflower.
The American Heart Association recommends consuming two servings of fish per week, especially fatty fish, with one serving being approximately 3 ounces when cooked, or about ¾ cup of flaked fish. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) suggests a daily intake of 250 to 500 milligrams of omega-3.
Dietary polyphenols-based therapeutic approaches for chronic inflammatory diseases have garnered attention due to their effectiveness and nontoxic nature. Phenolic compounds are found in grains, fruits, vegetables, and beverages like tea, coffee, and red wine. Corn, onions, tomatoes, legumes, apples, berries, grapes, strawberries, blood oranges, pomegranates, garlic, and coriander seeds all contain natural antioxidants and fiber. Notably, resveratrol found in red wine can reduce the body’s inflammation index.
Natural Ways to Enhance Immunity
Dr. Toru Abo, a renowned professor emeritus at Niigata University in Japan and an expert in immunology, highlighted that cancer cells thrive in conditions characterized by low temperature, low oxygen levels, and acidic blood, which are conducive to their growth in hypoxic environments. Furthermore, low body temperature can compromise the body’s immunity.
Nina Ishihara, vice director of the Ishihara Clinic, mentioned on a television program that a drop of 1 C (1.8 F) in body temperature corresponds to a roughly 30 percent decrease in the immune system’s effectiveness. Approximately 40 percent of an individual’s body heat is generated by muscles, with approximately 70 percent of these muscles located in the lower half of the body. When a person’s body temperature drops to around 35.8 C (96.4 F), it can be raised using the following methods:
- Exercise: Leg exercises can effectively raise body temperature. For example, one can perform 30 leg lifts, 30 toe raises, and 30 squats daily. After one week of consistent exercise, body temperature can increase by 0.5 C (0.9 F), and within a month, it can rise by 1 C (1.8 F).
- Bathing: A warm bath is also an effective way to raise body temperature. One can soak in water at 40 C (104 F) for 10 to 15 minutes. Five to six minutes is sufficient if the water temperature is around 42 C (107.6 F).
Additionally, it is also crucial to have an optimistic outlook on life.
Dr. Yumi Ishihara, a medical professor at Nagasaki University and the director of the Ishihara Clinic, shared an example. While working at the teaching hospital of the Royal College in London, she inquired about the feelings of 69 breast cancer patients. Approximately half of them believed it was all over or that their fate was in the hands of their doctors, while the other half thought that anything could change. They consumed carrot juice and supplements, practiced meditation, and exercised. Five years later, a follow-up revealed that 80 percent of those who believed it was over or left it to the doctors had died, whereas only 10 percent of those who had made every effort to recover had died.
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